Copyright © 2013 by Sara RobbinsAll rights reserved. Except for the use in review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to the actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Books by Sara Robbins:Death Checks Inn (Aspen Valley Inn Series: #1)
To my dear Uncle Harold and Sherri, thank you for making this sound so easy. If I had known how difficult it would be, I never would have tried. And to all my family members who encouraged me and told me I could do this. Asking me what chapter I was on kept me writing.
You will find yourselves represented by the characters in my books.
And finally to any readers who honor me by spending time with my books. Thank you.
DEATH CHECKS INN
SARA ROBBINS
Chapter 1
“What do you mean, there’s a problem?” Lacey Washburn asked not even trying to hide her exasperation.
She was standing outside in the walled patio area of her soon to be opened Inn. Better change that to her hopefully soon to be opened Inn. She had hired Dan Smith, a local handyman to enclose and lay a stone patio with brick pathways in what she would call the “Sanctuary”. Her guests could relax quietly watching either the sunrise or sunset with the advantage of an unobstructed view of Pikes Peak as the backdrop. There was also a hot tub spa and spacious outdoor dining area. This area could be used for large gatherings or quiet romantic dinners for two. Now, Dan was explaining some issue with the stonework that would delay completion for another week. Another week she did not have to spare. She had sunk every dime from her severance package into this endeavor and really needed to get the Inn opened and making money.
She ran her hands thru her hair and said, “Dan, just tell me what we can do to get this done.”
Dan mumbled, “Well, I’ll have to order the grout and that will take a couple of days and then a couple of days to let it set, I’d say probably in ten days it’ll be ready.”
“That won’t work; our grand opening is exactly one week from today!” Sara reminded him.
“Well, I could do it faster but I’d have to hire help and that will cost you,” he added.
Frustrated and stressed Lacey advised him, “Please do whatever is necessary to finish it in time.”
Aspen Valley Inn was an adobe style building that sat on top of a knoll surrounded by beautiful scenery. It was located very near the small town of Elkville. Rural but only twenty-five miles from the large city of Colorado Springs and forty-seven miles from the gambling town of Cripple Creek. Its location was practical but she hoped that the gorgeous views of America’s mountain, Pike’s Peak, and the pampering she planned to bestow on every guest would ensure its success. It was also advantageous that this was really the only Bed & Breakfast type business in this area.
She was also working with her younger sister, Charlotte, to launch an event venue and planning business as soon as funds and interested customers allowed.
First things first, she needed to get this place ready for her grand opening next week. So far, she had only booked two of the four available suites at the Inn. She reminded herself that she had only gotten those by steeply discounting what she had thought were reasonable rates. Oh well, she told herself, sometimes you have to lose money to make money.
She went inside and plopped herself into one of the huge chairs in the reception area. She looked around with a critical eye. Chairs and lounges positioned cozily by the huge stone fireplace. She planned to use a beautiful, antique table to lay out wine and appetizers. She hoped that these occasional refreshments would encourage her guests to linger and mingle with each other. Pamphlets of local attractions arranged in a display on the opposite wall looked very inviting. The Broadmoor Hotel, Molly Kathleen Mine and bike tours up to Pike’s Peak and many other attractions made one want to explore. Of course, for the historians, antiquing and gambling bunch there was always Cripple Creek. She hoped she had thought of everything to make this endeavor a success.
Only ten short years ago, she had been a newly graduated finance/business major from the University of Colorado. The world was her oyster and she could not wait to pry it open and find the pearl! She was excited to be engaged to the love of her life, Bryan Thompson. She was also being recruited by every major company in the Colorado Springs business arena. She was on top of the world. That world stopped spinning when she found out that Bryan had been spending time with more than one attractive woman.
Just weeks before their wedding he pleaded, “But I only love you, doesn’t that matter?”
She thought about it, really thought about it, and yes, it did matter, damn it. She had cancelled the wedding and accepted a job with a family owned bank that she thought would provide the camaraderie and distraction she needed to move past the hurt and betrayal.
She soon discovered that there was no security or permanence in that world. The financial crisis hit the country. She had lost her job eighteen months ago. She was devastated; she had poured all of her energy and passion into her work. Her co-workers and clients had felt like family.
Yes, she dated occasionally, but as the song says, she kept a close watch on that heart of hers. She even wore an amulet around her neck that stated those very lyrics.
She felt lost without the structure and purpose she had relied on. She took a good hard look at her choices, her dreams and what she really wanted to do with the rest of her life. The generous severance package she had received made starting her own business feasible. That, and her younger sister, Charlotte’s, promise to expand and grow the business with her helped her decide to make the leap.
She loved meeting and taking care of people. Getting into the hospitality industry seemed a good fit. First, they would open a charming Inn. Later, they had big plans to include an event center too. Phase two would bring even more challenge for them.
She had paid close attention to even the tiniest detail during the massive renovation of the Inn. Everything was ready. She hoped that all of this would turn out to be a good decision and not a colossal mistake!
Chapter 2
With only three days until the grand opening of Aspen Valley Inn, Lacey was nervous. She now had three reservations and fifty RSVPS’ to the grand opening reception.
Handyman Dan was almost finished with the sanctuary. Although there had been extra expense that she had not budgeted for, the sanctuary was Lacey’s favorite amenity. She had spent more than a few evenings ensconced on one of the comfortable chaise lounges near the fire pit watching Mother Nature’s dramatic end of day curtain call. Pink, gold and deep rose vied with each other while the sun completed its leisurely dance before dropping out of sight behind the mountain peak. This, she thought, is what people will pay for.
Her musings were interrupted by the excited voice of her sister, Charlotte.
“Only three more days, can you believe it?” she exclaimed.
Lacey hurried to give her sister a welcoming hug. She and Charlotte were very close. Charlotte had listened while she talked and cried about the loss of her dreams. First, the loss of married life with Bryan, and then later, losing her career. Charlotte had encouraged her to dream up a new future.
They had another sister; Veronika (Vernie) lived in Georgia. Their older sister, Vernie was
a true success, a bestselling author who had “made it”. She traveled the world promoting one book after another. She only slowed down long enough to tap out yet another bodice ripping passion infused romance. Both sisters admired Veronika and really enjoyed the brief amounts of time she could spend with them. Unfortunately, Vernie could not attend the grand opening of the Inn. She would send her best wishes along with a huge, expensive bouquet of flowers to mark the occasion. Vernie had offered to invest and even finance the Inn because she loved and believed in her sister’s dream but Lacey had declined. She wanted this to be her “baby” and was willing to work as hard as she needed to do it on her own.
Later, Charlotte and Lacey hoped to add to their success with the event business, Enchanted Events, but that was down the road. Lacey had to get the Inn opened and making a profit before she could even think about that.
Charlotte took a slow tour of the rooms and outdoor areas. She declared confidently, “Wow, I would definitely stay here. I especially love the “pillow gifts” you are putting under each of the guests’ pillow on their first night.”
These were small tokens, hand lotion or lip balm and a couple of pretty postcards already stamped that they could send to their friends but Lacey was pleased that Charlotte had approved of her idea.
“What can I do?” Charlotte asked.
“Can you get me another reservation to completely book our first week?” Lacey shot back.
“Oh, pooh, that will happen as soon as people stay here and then tells everyone they know about how wonderful it was,” Charlotte said reassuringly.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence. Now, how about helping me figure out what to serve with the grand opening appetizers? I've chosen a great red and white wine from "The Wines of Colorado" on Ute Pass but I need something terrific to serve with them,” Lacey explained.
“That’s easy,” said Charlotte, “your world famous guacamole and chips.”
“I need something besides that,” lamented Lacey. “How about crab puffs and a beef cheese ball?” she suggested.
“That’s perfect,” said Charlotte.
They were interrupted by a loud knock on the double front door. Lacey hurried to answer. She was startled for a moment as she looked at the very handsome man standing there.
“Hi,” he said taking off his hat, “I’m Wyatt Graves. I am the new sheriff for Peak County. I wanted to come by and check the place out. I know you have applied for a liquor license and I like to visit each site before approval.” He was very good looking and looked very sharp in his uniform.
Lacey took her time checking him out and then stammered, “Yes, please come in. I’m Lacey Washburn and this is my sister Charlotte. Please take a look around and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.”
Charlotte muttered under her breath, “I bet you will,” but shook his hand pleasantly as she moved aside to let him step into the entryway.
He was tall; at least six feet and had brown hair with golden highlights from the sun and bright blue eyes. He glanced around with an interested gaze and Lacey proceeded to take him on a tour through the downstairs common areas. He asked a few questions but overall seemed pleased with what he saw. Just as he was explaining that her liquor license would be approved the day before her opening, the radio on his shoulder came to life. Speaking briefly to the person on the other end he made his excuses and hurried out to the cruiser parked in the circular driveway.
As he, left Charlotte looked at Lacey with a twinkle in her eyes. “So….” she drawled.
Lacey, looking perturbed said “So…what? You more than anyone know that it would take a lot more than brilliant blue eyes to distract me from focusing on my plans for this business.”
“I know,” said Charlotte, “but he was very good looking and not just his eyes.”
“Oh, please,” said Lacey, “don’t even start with me.”
Chapter 3
The day was finally here. The official grand opening of Aspen Valley Inn, proprietress, Lacey Washburn. She was so excited she couldn’t even sit still. She wandered around checking all the last minute details. Her nerves were causing her to question every decision. Should she have hired extra help? No, she needed to handle everything herself. She would be mostly unpaid and overworked but until business and profits allowed for employees she needed to keep her overhead as low as possible. Besides, she knew Charlotte would do everything in her power to help her succeed. In addition, there was also the handyman, Dan. She couldn’t help noticing that Dan had cleaned up nicely for the opening. As she looked him over speculatively, she told him how pleased she was that he had finished the sanctuary in time. Nerves jangling she straightened the carved aspen wooden bowl on the hall table for the tenth time.
Two of her guests had already checked in. A sweet honeymoon couple, Miranda and John Braverman had already been settled into the Peacock Suite. Lacey had hoped they would be impressed with the brilliant jewel tones she had used throughout the suite. She didn’t think they had even noticed their surroundings. They only had eyes for each other. With blushing faces, they said they might not make it downstairs for the cocktail and mingle portion of the evening. Lacey smiled to herself thinking of the warm love and passion for each other that was evident on their faces as she showed them around. Was she ever that in love, she wondered?
A few minutes later, her next guest arrived. This visitor was a middle-aged woman named Heather Mason. She was a widow. Lacey remembered their conversation when Heather had called to make her reservation. Heather told her that she and her husband had always dreamed of sitting at the top of Pike’s Peak. They had wanted to drink in the beauty that had inspired Katharine Bates to write “America the Beautiful” in 1883.
Wistfully, Heather had said, “My husband, Adam died a few years ago and I promised myself that I would do it for both of us. I retired this year from Washburn University in Topeka. I was an admissions clerk. Now, I am trying to do all the things Adam and I didn’t have the chance to do. ”
As Lacey led her upstairs to her suite, Lacey mentioned the party tonight. Heather said she would definitely come downstairs and join the festivities once she was settled into the “Miner’s Suite”. This suite was rustic in design but with all the modern comforts. After the brief tour, Heather asked if she could get an early morning wake up call in order to hike up to the peak before noon. Knowing how strenuous that climb was, Lacey looked closer at the woman. She was a hardy Midwesterner who looked in shape for the effort and altitude.
The third reservation, for two college students had not arrived yet. They had mentioned in their online check in that they may be very late. Lacey sighed and thought, waiting for arrivals is part of an innkeeper’s role. Besides, she had a celebration to host and the time would fly.
The first guests were beginning to arrive. She hurried downstairs, her long summer maxi dress swirling around her ankles. Half way down the stairs, she came to a complete stop. Charlotte was welcoming none other than Wyatt Graves. She had thought he was handsome in his uniform but now seeing him dressed casually, in his button down shirt and khakis, he looked even more handsome. She felt her face flush as he looked up at her and she realized that she had been staring and probably open-mouthed too. She did her best to gracefully descend the stairs and then held out her hand in greeting. Rather than shake her hand in a businesslike manner he held on a little too long so that it felt more like a caress.
They smiled at each other and Wyatt spoke first. “Congratulations on both your liquor license approval and your grand opening,” he said.
She stammered a little and then finally came up with something, “Can I get you a glass of wine or some cider?” Her voice came out with a very unattractive squeak.
Charlotte was enjoying her sisters’ discomfort way more than she should be. She could not remember the last time she had seen her sister awestruck over a mere man. But then again, he was very good looking. He also carried himself with an air of power and control. Surrepti
tiously she glanced at his left hand searching for a wedding ring. Damn, there was a thin gold band. She sighed and thought to herself that she would have to find someone else that put that sparkle back into Lacey’s eyes. Looking over at her sister, it occurred to her that Lacey had noticed the same no trespassing sign that she had seen. There was a bit of disappointment lingering on Lacey’s face, but neither of them had time to dwell on this because the celebration really moved into full swing. They both hurried into the reception hall to begin their duties as proud owner and hostess of the Aspen Valley Inn.
Chapter 4
Lacey looked around at the crowded reception area and was very pleased with the number of people who had accepted her invitation and some had even brought a guest or two along with them. In the hospitality world, the more people who knew about your establishment the better. Most new businesses could not survive without referrals, especially those that had no marketing budget. She had invited virtually everyone from the small town of Elkville , only five miles from the Inn and many from the larger city of Colorado Springs , about twenty-five miles to the west. She had focused on business owners and others that she thought would be able to send clients her direction.
Once the crowd had been served with refreshments she took her place at the top of the first set of stairs and formally addressed them. Thanking them all for coming, she invited them to join her for a tour. Even those that were familiar with the property before she purchased it were curious to see the transformation. The Inn had spent many years as a sprawling ranch, home to llamas and horses and even some cattle. There were several outbuildings dotting the twenty-acre property. Some would probably have to be torn down as dilapidated as they were but the old-fashioned barn would be renovated into their new event facility. It had been built to last and as they say, it had good bones. Lacey envisioned casual and elegant weddings, family gatherings and even business seminars hosted in the cavernous space.
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